It's vital that play equipment is properly maintained and inspected, so splash out and get it done professionally. The Register of Play Inspectors International will provide you with a list of people able to do it for you.

Brief staff on the need to be vigilant about children running around during food and drinks service; to pay particular attention to items which are damaged or faulty, and not to be afraid to intervene if a child's behaviour is unsafe or spoiling other people's enjoyment, particularly in play areas.

"The potential harm to a business at fault for an injured child is an obvious one, with reputation at risk and the potential for a claim for compensation alongside the upset of the situation," said the NFU's Darren Seward.

"It's not just injuries that businesses should consider but also the potential damage to private property. We've even seen cases of boards and gazebo's taking flight and damaging guests' cars, so great care and thought needs to be taken into account when prepping and mitigating risk for any event."

Robyn Black is Inapub's drinks expert and editor. Follow her on Twitter @MrsRobynBlack